When the work started Tuesday, the area was little more than a dirt lot in desperate need of a makeover. On Sunday, most of the structures were propped up and the playground equipment was in place.

With the steady sound of power tools humming in the background, work continued from sunrise until sundown.

“Twelve hours each day, we’re on Day 9,” said Debbie Panelli, who volunteered for the construction. “It’s been wonderful.”

Tatum’s Garden has been a blessing for both Debbie and the place she loves.

“I just think that Salinas needed this so badly,” Panelli said. “We all needed this. We all needed to have something like this to give us hope and a dream that we can make a difference in our city.”

Tatum’s father, Shawn Bakker, was just a dad with a big dream to make life a bit better for his 3-year-old daughter.

“We’ve realized this means more to this community than we thought, and I think it has to do with the people here, and what they’re doing together and I don’t even know if everyone has really realized what this full impact is going to be.”

Stacey Wilson, of Salinas, said she is on a mission to show what her community is made of.

“We have this common goal of providing to the world that Salinas is awesome,” Wilson said.

Around 7 p.m., volunteers hope to complete the task. Afterward, the entire playground floor will be filled with rocks and covered with rubber.

Organizers have not set an official opening day, but expect it to be sometime between the last week in October or first week of November.